Packed Cell Volume (PCV); Hematocrit Test in Pune from LalPathLabs Online

Packed Cell Volume (PCV), also known as hematocrit test, is performed to measure the proportion of blood made up of erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs). Human blood is made up of RBCs, white blood cells (WBCs) or leukocytes and platelets which are suspended in a fluid called plasma.This test helps you to diagnose and determine the severity of conditions causing anemia or polycythemia. Lower than normal PCV value indicates low amount of RBCs in circulation (indicating anemia) whereas higher than normal PCV indicates high amount of RBCs in circulation (indicating polycythemia). It also helps to monitor treatment efficacy for anemia or polycythemia, determine if blood transfusion is necessary and assess dehydration. It also forms a vital part of Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in regular health checkups.